Should you take advice from someone younger than you?

Young people will one day inherit the world. We have an obligation to hear out those younger than us otherwise the world will move on without us and we'll be left behind. They'll tell you a lot about how they're thinking, feeling, needing…

While someone older may have the experience that time has gifted due to the consequences of living, young people carry with them wonder, creativity, energy, and a new perspective. They haven't yet undergone the struggles and pain that exhaust us as adults and might keep someone older from getting started on something new. It's not our place to provide them that pain.

The straightforward answer to this question is of coarse: It depends on the advice. But take young people for how they are. Accept them for where they are. Give them the respect and space to be authentic and contribute ideas the way you would anyone else. They might just surprise you with they can teach you.

*This post is not intended to diagnose or replace mental health treatment.